Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this thing called life.

The night before the wedding I stayed up writing my vows, scribbling drafts, scratching out phrases, rearranging words and sentiments and thoughts and meanings. It’s probably been more than ten years since I’ve written anything meaningful by hand, but for some reason it felt right to use pen and paper rather than keyboard. Also, I don’t own a printer. I wanted a little funny, a bit effusive but still simple and direct. Me and best man Norm went out to dinner that night and talked for hours about fifteen years of friendship, women, and relationships; what the present and the future can be, what vows can be. I bounced a lot of ideas off him.

Norm: “So how do you feel about Tricia, what do you want to say about her and you?”
Me: “I love Tricia so much. When the zombie apocalypse comes, she’s who I want to fight them off with, as everything collapses around us. We’ll kick ass. And if one of us gets bitten, we can trust each other to do the right thing and shoot them in the head. We’re not gonna be those lame asses in the movies who whine and cry and say oh no I can’t do it as your zombie wife tears your throat out. I love you so much kitty and if the time comes, I will shoot you in the face.”
Norm: “You might want to leave that one out.”

But I think the vows worked out ok. Cris gave a wonderful ceremony. Masumi read something great and meaningful. Becky sang like a diva. And we got rings.

This ring is weighty. I’ve only ever worn silver before and this thing is a lot heavier, unexpectedly so for its size. It clunks on the table with a heftier tone and substantial quality. Or maybe it just feels that way.